SAINT DAMIEN DE VEUSTER, PRIEST (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home. 

Let’s imagine St. Paul settling down for the night at Lydia’s house in Philippi. He and Silas had set out from Antioch intending to visit the churches Paul had founded in Asia Minor. They had no idea they would wind up here, the first apostles to enter Europe. What might Paul have said to the Lord as he prepared for a much-needed rest?

“Lord, you certainly work in mysterious and unexpected ways! I wish you would sometimes let me in on the big picture! But you don’t just map out the whole itinerary for us in advance, do you? All the same, I am amazed at how you have led us every step of the way.

“That doesn’t mean we weren’t frustrated along the way, Lord. It seemed like every time we thought we should head in a certain direction, your Spirit blocked our way. When that happens, it’s hard to believe you have something better in mind. You didn’t let us go to Bithynia, so all we could do was turn around and head for Troas and wait. We had no idea what to do next! I’m so grateful for the dream you finally sent: a man I recognized as Macedonian begging, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’ (Acts 16:9). It reminded me that every time you close one door, you eventually open another one.

“That’s what happened here in Philippi. Thank you for bringing us to the home of Lydia, this brand-new believer. When we arrived, we weren’t sure what we’d find, so we went to the river looking for Jews gathered to pray. And we shared the good news about Jesus with the group of Gentile women we found there. Now we have a friend and sister in Lydia. As a wealthy, influential businesswoman, she could provide a strategic center for our mission here.

“Jesus, help me not to run ahead of you. Clearly you have a plan. Just let me know how to cooperate as we carry it forward together. Help me listen for you. Lead me!”

“Lord, you are totally trustworthy. Help me wait until you show me the next small step to take with you.”

Psalm 149:1-6, 9
John 15:26–16:4
Acts 16:11-15

WORD AMONG US